Racecards
14:35 Thurles (IRE)
W.T. O'Grady Memorial E.B.F. Novice Chase
- 4 Runners
- Distance: 2m 4f
- Going: Soft
- Surface: Turf
- €17,500 added
- Winner: €12,074
- 2nd: €2,800
- 3rd: €1,225
- 4th: €700
- Form 5114-71
- Age 7
- Weight 11-12
- Trainer W P Mullins
- Jockey Ruby Walsh
tracked leader, led 3rd, joined 5 out, went on before straight, reduced lead but still travelling well when fell 2 out
Frisco Depot
18- Form 2/331-41
- Age 8
- Weight 11-12
- Trainer D T Hughes
- Jockey B J Cooper
tracked leaders, 2nd when slight mistake 7 out, 3rd when slightly slow jump next, struggling and no extra from 5 out, pulled up before 2 out
- Form 3528-0P
- Age 8
- Weight 11-5
- Trainer John Neilan
- Jockey Andrew J McNamara
raced last of the 4, niggled along 6th, no extra 7 out, left poor 2nd 2 out
- Form 12/4723
- Age 8
- Weight 11-5
- Official Rating 117
- Trainer O McKiernan
- Jockey Mr R P Quinlan
led, headed 3rd, on terms again 5 out, dropped to 2nd and ridden before straight, closed when left clear 2 out, in control and only had to jump last after
Verdict
Banjaxed Girl wasn't far behind Frisco Depot at Fairyhouse a couple of weeks ago and a big run from her in the previous race points to the chances of Dessie Hughes' charge, who hasn't had much racing and looks a nice prospect. Ruby Walsh produced a masterclass to get BISHOPSFURZE round safely on his chasing debut here in November and that experience will not be lost on Willie Mullins' charge, who looks a very nice prospect and can go in again. Quietly Fancied was just touched off by Crash at Punchestown last month but was outclassed when stepping up to Grade 2 level at Limerick and faces a couple of potentially useful opponents here. Glenlo Abbey was moderate over hurdles and makes his chasing bow.
Formwatch
Bishopsfurze (IRE) 7-4 (11-12) Tracked leaders, 2nd and challenged approaching 2 out, narrow leader before last, joined run-in, stayed on best close home, won at Thurles 2m 2f beg chs hvy in Nov beating Jim Will Fix It (11-12) by 1/2l, 16 ran.
Frisco Depot 7-2 (11-12) Tracked leaders mainly 4th, 3rd entering straight, went 2nd after 2 out and ridden to dispute last, led narrowly run-in and kept on under pressure, held on, won at Fairyhouse 2m 5f beg chase sft beating Aitmatov (11-12) by nk, 5 ran.
Glenlo Abbey (IRE) 5-2 (11-12) Waited with towards rear, in trouble from before 6 out and not fluent jumping after, no extra 3 out, pulled up before next, in a race won by Dog Barrel Hill (11-12) at Limerick 2m 5f mdn hdl hvy in Dec, 6 ran.
Quietly Fancied (IRE) 16-1 (11-6) Tracked leader, dropped last of the 4 approaching straight, left poor 3rd from 2 out, 3rd of 4, 40l behind Sir Des Champs (11-6) at Limerick 2m 3f nov chs Grade 2 (1) hvy in Dec.